This cache is placed to bring you to visit a grand old Sweet Chestnut tree (Castanea Sativa) in Brickkiln Grove along Serpentine lane. This tree was planted by the English naturalist Robert Marsham (1708-1797), one of Norfolks great tree planters, who owned the nearby country estate, Stratton Strawless Hall. He is thought to be the founder of phenology, the study of the seasonal effects on nature.
The Sweet Chestnut originates from South East Europe & Asia Minor & was introduced to this country in Roman times. It was later grown by monks in monastery gardens. Apart from producing edible nuts, Sweet Chestnut is used in furniture, barrels, fencing & roof beams. The bark produces tannin. A preservation order was placed on this magnificent 400 year old tree on 6th June 1995.
There is roadside parking beside the tree & a small information plaque, so it's suitable as a cache & dash. There used to be a cache here a few years back, but it seems to have vanished & we thought this tree was worth bringing to attention.